Let’s celebrate our volunteers
Volunteers make up the backbone of many organisations and the enthusiastic team at Volunteering Waikato do a fantastic job of bringing together volunteers and organisations to fill vacant roles.
Established in 1993, Volunteering Waikato has two main objectives: to ensure community groups get the volunteers they need, and to ensure that volunteers get the most out of their decision to give of their time, energy and passion for the benefit of others.
The generosity volunteers demonstrate in donating their time, energy and spirit never ceases to amaze me, and I know many services would struggle to meet the demands on their organisation if it wasn’t for their volunteers.
This week is National Volunteer Week, which is an opportunity to acknowledge the 1.2 million volunteers throughout New Zealand who are often unsung heroes within our community. It is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all those who volunteer in our communities every year.
The 2018 theme is Volunteers, The Heart of our Community – By many, the work will be completed, Ma¯ tini, ma¯ mano, ka rapa te whai. This theme aims to capture the essence of the volunteering spirit and the essential link between volunteers and the communities who benefit from their generosity.
Again this year, I am looking forward to attending our annual Volunteer Excellence Awards event hosted by Volunteering Waikato, and I’m delighted that many selfless local people will have their efforts acknowledged.
It is always humbling to hear of their service and contribution. There are also many volunteers within our community whose work goes unrecognised, not because it is not important but because we are a nation of ‘doers’.
Think of the person who volunteers at your local school, church or organisation – they are always the first to do the job that needs to be done, often without fuss and quietly in the background.
Perhaps the person doesn’t see it as volunteering, just getting on with a job that needs to be done. This week gives us an opportunity to notice those people and say ‘‘thank you’’.
The breadth of the work Volunteering Waikato and all volunteers do in our region is incalculable.
I thank all volunteers for the time and dedication you give to others and organisations, and congratulate all who have been nominated for Excellence Awards this year. You put the heart into our community and make an enormous, positive difference in so many lives.
Tim Macindoe isMPfor Hamilton West.